Print Defect Region Identification on Scanned Output Screens

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately identifying regions of defects on printed images, particularly small point- and line-like defects, without requiring cumbersome test printing processes.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a display screen and processor that allows users to specify image defect regions on a scanned print product, utilizing image defect candidate regions identified by an image diagnostic apparatus, and calculates confidence distances to determine the intended defect regions, eliminating the need for test patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If test printing is performed to identify image defects, then defect identification accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect identification accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a scanned copy of the actual print product as the basis for defect identification, replacing the need for test printing. The image diagnostic apparatus analyzes the scanned image of the real print to identify defects, eliminating the cumbersome test printing process while maintaining accurate defect detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing the scanned print image to identify defects. The image diagnostic apparatus independently processes the scan data to locate and characterize defects, reducing the need for user intervention in complex testing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If test printing is performed to identify image defects, then defect identification accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect identification accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a scanned copy of the actual print product as the basis for defect identification, replacing the need for test printing. The image diagnostic apparatus analyzes the scanned image of the real print to identify defects, eliminating the cumbersome test printing process while maintaining accurate defect detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary scanning of the print product before defect analysis. By having the print scanned in advance and storing the scan data, the system can quickly analyze defects without requiring time-consuming test printing procedures during the diagnosis process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If users specify defect regions manually on screen, then operational simplicity is improved, but identification accuracy for small defects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoiddefect region identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing the scanned print image to identify defects. The image diagnostic apparatus independently processes the scan data to locate and characterize defects, reducing the need for user intervention in complex testing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pointing or selection methods with automated image processing algorithms. The image diagnostic apparatus uses computational analysis to automatically locate defect regions, substituting human manual operation with automated digital processing that is more precise for small defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250385975A1Image forming apparatus and control method

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus, including an operation panel having a display screen, displays an image obtained by scanning a print product, receives information about a position in the image specified by a user via the display screen, identifies at least one image defect candidate region obtained through analysis of the image as a region of an image defect corresponding to the position specified by the user, based on image defect candidate region position information, image defect candidate region confidence, and information about the position specified by the user, and displays information corresponding to the at least one image defect candidate region identified on the display screen.